Appliance construction for use as a hairdressing tool and as a steam iron

ABSTRACT

An appliance including an elongate hand-held body having a working head on one end carrying fluid dispensing means, and fluid heating means in a body for heating fluid dispensed, and selectively operable actuating means for determining the type and temperature of fluid dispensed.

United States Patent [1 1 Mercer [451 Apr. 2, 1974 APPLIANCE CONSTRUCTION FOR USE AS A HAIRDRESSING TOOL AND AS A STEAM IRON [76] Inventor: Norman J. Mercer, 575 Park Ave.,

New York, NY. 10021 [22] Filed: May 20, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 146,571

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 127,184, March 23,

1971, Pat. NO. 3,702,616.

[52] US. Cl. 132/9 [51] Int. Cl A45d 1/00 [58] Field of Search 132/9, 7, l, 112; 34/97,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,397,463 8/1968 Laing 34/97 3,613,257 10/1971 Yashiikc ct al 34/97 862,101 7/1907 Oswald l32/ll2 1,362,780 12/1920 Chapman 132/112 Primary ExaminerL0uis G. Mancene Assistant Examiner-Gregory E. McNeill Attorney, Agent, or FirmLilling & Siegel [57] ABSTRACT An appliance including an elongate hand-held body having a working head on one end carrying fluid dispensing means, and fluid heating means in a body for heating fluid dispensed, and selectively operable actuating means for determining the type and temperature of fluid dispensed.

14 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAPR 2 I974 SHEET 3 [IF 6 3w Rm PATENTEDAPR 2 I974 SHLU Q [If 6 INVENTOR. NORMAN J. MERCER WWW ATTORZEEYS PATENTEU 2 1974 SHEEI 5 0F 6 INVENTOR.

NORMAN J. MERCER 25 2. ATTORNEYS PMENTEU APR 2 I974 XHKEI 8 UP 6 INVENTOR. NORMAN J. MERCER TOREEYS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION While there have, in the past, been proposed a wide variety of manual implements or appliances for use with the hair, and otherwise, these prior devices were lacking in versatility, being capable only of highly specialized use, usually being of substantial size and bulk to limit the possible applications and involve substantial costs in manufacture, storage, distribution and use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an important object of the present invention to provide an appliance for use in dressing the hair, and for other purposes, which is extremely versatile in operation, being relatively small and compact in size while complete in a hand-held design, and which is extremely simple in construction for economy in manufacture and durability throughout a long useful life.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an appliance of the type described in the preceding paragraph which is adapted to perform a wide variety of operations including the dispensation and application of liquids, mists, air, either together or alone, and at different temperatures, for performing various hairdressing operations, and which is further capable of use as a steaming device in the pressing of garments or other flattening or straightening operations.

lt is still a further object of the present invention to provide an appliance having the advantageous characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, which is capable of quick and easy use even by inexperienced persons, to perform not only garment pressing or straightening operations, but various hair-dressing or styling operations including drying, styling, waving, straightening, and the like, employing various combs, brushes and other attachments.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings, which form a material part of this disclosure.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope will be indicated by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top plan view showing an appliance constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional elevational view taken generally along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to FIG. 3, but showing a slightly modified embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional elevational view similar to FIG. 4, and showing a workhead for use therewith.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the workhead of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a partial longitudinal sectional view illustrating another slightly modified embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an internal perspective view showing the ineterior mechanism of another slightly modified embodiment of the instant invention.

FIG. 9 is an electric schematic diagram illustrating the circuitry of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a partial longitudinal sectional view showing still another embodiment of the instant invention.

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view, showing the appliance constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional elevational view taken generally along the lines l2l2 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along the lines 13-13 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal sectional elevational view of another embodiment of an appliance constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional elevational view of another appliance constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of an appliance constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a longitudinal sectional elevational view of an appliance constructe din accordance with the teaching of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically to FIGS. l-3 thereof, a casing is generally designated 20, which may be of elongate hollow configuration having a main or body part 21 adapted to be grasped in the hand of a user. Extending from the main, body part 21 is a working or head portion 22.

lnteriorly of the main body part 21 is fixed, by suitable mounting means, a heater 23 an aperture 24 extending therethrough. Also suitably mounted internally within the casing body part 21 is a motive means or electric motor 25, which may be provided with a shaft extension 26, and carry on the shaft extension an air movement device, blower or fan rotor 27.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the electric heater 23 may be located adjacent to the workhead region 22, the motor 25 adjacent to the heater and remote from the workhead, and the air movement device or fan 27 remote from the heater.

Additionally, the casing body part 21 may be provided, remote from the workhead 22, with an end closure 30; and, an internal casing wall 31 may be located spaced from the end wall 30 and adjacent to the air movement device 27. Suitably mounted in the casing space between end wall 30 and internal partition wall 31, is a reservoir or tank 32 for receiving a liquid or fluid, as by removal of the casing body end wall 30 and a closure cap or plug 33. In the alternative, the closure cap or plug 33 may be removed without removing the casing body end wall 30 or, in the alternative, the casing body end wall 30 may form an integral part of the closure cap or plug 33 so that removing one removes both. In addition, it is to be understood that the tank 32 may be interchanged in position with the motor 25 without loss of efficiency of the overall unit.

Thus, the tank or reservoir 32 may contain a desired fluid or liquid, such as water. A fluid moving device or pump 34 may be associated with the reservoir 32, as by mounting therein, or outside thereof and connected by suitable conduit, for pumping the reservoir contents in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter.

Extending through the casing body end wall 30 may be an electrical supply conductor or power line, connected by suitable means to the electric motive means or motor 25 and heater or radiator 23. Also, an inlet opening, or series of such openings for a fluid such as air or the like, as at 37 are formed in the casing body part 21, between the partition wall 31 and fan rotor 27, for purposes appearing presently. Such fluid inlet openings may appear at any opening at any wall of the device.

A fluid communication means or conduit 40 has one end connected to the reservoir 32, and more specifically to the outlet of pump 35, the other end of conduit 40 being connected to the heater 23. An operating mechanism is associated with the pump 35, including an arm 41 in operating relation with the pump, and a manually actuable lever 42 exteriorly of the body 21 for finger operated swinging movement by a user.

An electric switch 43 is mounted in the body 21, being suitably connected to the motor 25 and supply line 36, to operate the motor when desired. Also, an additional electric switch 44, see FIG. 1, may be connected to the heater 23 for operation of the latter in the manner desired, which operation may be automatically controlled by a conventional thermostat, as at 45. The switches 43 and 44 may include actuating slides or buttons projecting through and outwardly beyond the body 21, for finger actuation by a user.

In the underside or lower wall 50 of the workhead 22, there is provided a fluid dispensing outlet or opening 51, which is adapted to removably receive a selected one of a plurality of tools or implements, as at 52 in FIG. 3. Additionally, extending from the hollow interior 24 of the heater is an elongate closed end tube, conduit or nozzle 53. The nozzle 53 is provided with fluid outlets or passageways 54 extending downwardly toward the workhead opening 51. Further, the tool or implement 52, which may be a brush, comb, or the like, is advantageously formed with passageways (not shown) through the comb back or brush back for passing fluid from the interior of the workhead 22 exteriorly thereof.

In operation of the embodiment of FIGS. l-3, a simple cold gaseous fluid, such as air, may be dispensed, as by operation of the motor 25 and fan 27, serving to draw ambiant air inwardly through the inlet openings 37, passing the air through the body 21 and dispensing the air exteriorly through the workhead opening 51 or an implement 52 located in the workhead opening. Should it be desired to dispense heated air, it is only necessary to electrically energize the heater 23, the external heater fins 28 serving to heat the passing air, whereby a heated gaseous fluid is dispensed.

Additionally, moisture or liquid may be dispensed without air or gaseous fluid, as by opening both of the switches 43 and 44 to deenergize both the fan 27 and heater 23. Further, repeated swinging of the lever 42 effects operation of pump 35 for propelling liquid contents from the reservoir 32 through conduit 40 and heater 23, weich may be deenergized, for dispensing through nozzle 53. Further, steam, vapor, or mist may be dispensed from the workhead 22 in the same manner as described in connection with liquid, except that the heater 23 is electrically energized to vaporize the liquid upon passage through the heater. Of course, the combination of air and liquid, or hot air and vapor may be obtained, as desired.

Considering the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, a hollow casing or body part is there generally designated 21a, and may be essentially similar to the body part 21 of the first described embodiment. That is, the body part 21a may include an end closure 30a remote from the working head, and an internal partition or wall 31a spaced inward from the end wall 30a. Within the casing body part 21a, between the walls 30a and 310, may be a liquid reservoir or tank 32a, and associated therewith a pump 35a having manually actuable meansextending externally of the'body part, as at 42a. Adjacent to the partition wall 31a is an air blower or fan 27a connected in driven relation with respect to an electric motor 25a. Adjacent to the electric motor 250 is an electric heater 23a, which is connected in fluid communication with the reservoir 32a, as by conduit 40a, all in substantially the same manner as described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3.

It is to be understood that in the device as disclosed herein, the arrangement of the various elements such as the heater 23, the motor 25 and the tank 32 may be in any sequence.

However, in contradistinction to the first described embodiment, an end wall 60 of the casing body 21a, opposed to the end wall 30a is open, for replaceable securement thereto of a working head, as at 61. That is, a shortened nozzle or outlet conduit 53a extends from the heater 23a through and beyond the casing body opening 60, terminating in an open end 62.

The working head 61 is best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, and includes an internal end wall 63 adapted to extend across the end opening 60 in the assembled relation, as seen in FIG. 4. The internal end wall 63 is provided with a through opening 64 for snugly receiving the dispensing conduit 53a. The working head 61 may be of internally tubular but angulate configuration, including an upper longitudinal portion 65 extending generally longitudinally of the body 21a, and an outer, transverse, end portion 66 extending oblique to the portion 65. The distal end of the oblique portion 66 is provided with an end closure or plate 67, advantageously of metal or other suitable heat conduct-ing material, and suitably fixed in position extending across the end of the working head, as by fasteners 68. The outer end wall or plate 67 may have its outer surface 69 generally flat and located slightly beyond the terminal portion of the working head 61, to define a generally flat surface for pressing engage-ment with a garment, or other material to be pressed. Further, at a plurality of locations the plate 67 is formed with through dispensing openings 70, communicating through the plate and in-ternal tubular portions 71, so that steam or vapor dispensed through the opening 70 passes jet-like for application in pre-determined streams.

It will now be appreciated that the plate 67 of the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, together with the working head 61, com-bines to define a treating device such as a steam pressing or steam iron in operative conjunction with the hand-held body portion 21a.

For enhanced versatility, as in FIG. 7, the casing body portion 21b may be substantially identical to the casing body portion 21a, including the internal structural components, so that the dispensing tube 53b is adapted to dispense liquid or vapor, in the same manner as described hereinbefore.

Additionally, a working head 61b may include hollow elongate casing part 65b having one end open for detachable securement in communicating relation with respect to the open end 60b of body part 21b. Internally of the working head 61b may be a tubular conduit, or dispensing nozzle 55b for detachable engagement, as by a coupling portion 75 to the open end of conduit 53b. The removable and replaceable working head 61b may be provided with a through opening 51b for removably receiving an implement 52b, such as a comb or brush, which implement may have through passageways, as at 54b for dispensing fluid from conduit 55b.

Hence, the hairdressing appliance shown in FIG. 7, including the working head 61b, may be converted from the treating device for steaming or pressing of FIGS. 4-6, by mere removal of working head 61 and replacement thereof by working head 61b. Of course, return of working head 61 may be effected with equal facility and speed.

An additional embodiment is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the casing having been removed for clarity of illustration, to expose the internal components thereof. Specifically, a tank or reservoir is shown at 32c, adjacent to which is illustrated an air movement device or fan 27c in driven relation with respect to a motor 25c. An electric, externally finned heater is shown at 23c, and may be connected in fluid communication with the tank 320, as by a conduit 400. Further, a valve 59 is connected in the conduit 400, being resiliently biased to a normally closed condition, and openable upon manual depression of a push button 58. A dispensing conduit or nozzle 53c extends from the interior of heater 23c for application to a hairdressing implement 520.

An electrical schematic is shown in FIG. 9, there being a double-pole double-throw switch 80 connected at one outlet terminal to the heater 23c and connected through its other outlet terminal to a voltage reducing or step-down heater 81. The heater 23c may be thermostatically controlled, as by connection through a diode 83 with one side of the motor 250. The other side of the motor 250 and the thermostat 82 may be connected together for connection through a conductor 84 to one side of a power source (not shown). The blade of switch 80 may be connected through a conductor 85 to the other side of the power source.

In operation, upon electrical energization of the heater 23c and the motor 250, heated air is moved for dispensing at the implement 22c, and upon opening of valve 59 liquid from tank 32c may be vaporized in heater 23 for dispensing from conduit 53c together with the air, in the form of a mist. Of course, the motor 250 and fan 27c may be operated separately from the valve 59 for dispensing only heated air; and further, the heater 23c may be deenergized for dispensing unheated air. Additionally, the heater 23c and valve 58 may be operated for dispensing only liquid or vapor.

Still another embodiment is shown in FIG. 10, wherein an appliance is generally designated d, and includes a casing body 21d of elongate configuration similar to that of the first described embodiment, for convenient manual holding by a user. At one end, the

casing body 21d is closed, as by an end wall 30d, while the other end of casing body 21d opens into a working head 22d having a dispensing opening 51d for removably receiving an implement 52d.

Interiorly of the casing body 21d, adjacent to the closed end 30d, there is formed in one side wall of the casing body an air inlet opening, as at 37d. Located adjacent to the air inlet opening 37a is an air movement device 27d suitably mounted by a motor 25d for effecting air movement inward through the opening 37d and leftward toward the working head 22d.

Adjacent to and spaced from the motor 25d, there is mounted in the body 21d a liquid reservoir or tank 32d having suitable fill means, as at 33d for receiving a supply of water or other liquid. Directly connected to the reservoir or tank 32d is an electric heater 23d, the tank 32d communicating with the heater 23d. An outlet nozzle or conduit 53d extends from the hollow interior of the heater 23d for dispensing fluid from the working head 22d, particularly through the opening 51d and hairdressing implement 52d. lnterposed in the nozzle 53d is a valve 59d having an externally manually actuable push button or knob 58d. That is, the valve 59d is selectively openable by manual depression of the button or knob 58d.

Suitable electrical circuitry is provided to effect electrical operation of both the motor 25d and heater 23d, including one or more manually operable switches 43d, and a step-down resistor for applying proper voltage to the motor.

As in the previously described embodiment, the appliance 20 of FIG. 10 is selectively operable to dispense of fluid or combination of fluids such as air and/or liquid or vapor, which substances may be heated or unheated. It is to be understood that with regard to the embodiment of FIG. 10, that the heater 23d may be immersed within the tank 32d. In this alternative arrangement (not shown) would make for an obviously more compact device.

It is to be understood that throughout this application similar reference numbers identify elements of having a similar construction to those previously disclosed with reference to other embodiments. Thus, with reference to FIGS. 1 1, l2 and 13, there is disclosed a casing 20. As previously discussed, within said casing 20 there is a reservoir or tank 32 adjacent the end closure 30. A cap or plug 33 extends without the casing 20 and seals the reservoir 32. A conduit 40 is connected to the reservoir 32 and is connected at its other end to a valve 59. The conduit 40 thereafter continues from the valve 59 about a heater 100. The heater 100 may be one commonly known in the art and is comprised in this embodiment of an insulating support 102 having extending arms in the form of a cruciform 104, 106. A heating wire 108 wrapped thereabout. The conduit 40 may extend then below the arms of the cruciform 104 and 106.

As has previously been disclosed, the valve 59 may be controlled by means of a pushbutton 58. It is to be understood that the valve 59 is connected to conduit 40 and is resiliently biased to a normally closed condition, and operable upon manual depression of the pushbutton 58. The double pole, double throw switch operates in a similar manner as that previously disclosed in connection with FIG. 9. Thus, there is inter-connection between the switch 80 and the motor 25, and fan assembly 27. Conduit 40 extends below the heater and into the head portion 22. Secured to the end of the conduit 40 and adjacent outlet opening 51 of the head portion 22, is a spray atomizer 108. The spray atomizer 108 may be one that is well known in the art and is so constructed as to cause liquid inserted therein to be admitted in a very fine spray.

While it is to be understood that the various switching valve arrangements already disclosed may be incorporated herein, the features stressed in this embodiment include the atomizer 108. As the atomized liquid is sprayed through the tool 52 it should be seen that the area admitted is very small. Thus, for example, if the tool 52 takes the form of a comb or brush and if it is to be further understood that this would be used by, for example, a woman styling her hair, the small area of the spray might be used on a spit curl or the like. For wider application of moisture, the user merely brings the head portion 22 further away from the head of the user. The increasing distance between the casing 20 and users head (not shown) results in a wider area of application, as is well known.

Turning now to another embodiment, a reservoir 110 is situated at the end wall 1 12 of the casing 20. The reservoir 110 and end wall 112 are so designed that access may be had externally to the reservoir 110 as is shown.

The conduit 40 extends from the reservoir 110 from within the casing 20 to and through a heater 23, including an aperture 24 therein.

Extending from the aperture 24 of the heater 23 the conduit 40 may be terminated in a valve to restrict the flow of liquid. Such a valve 114 may be a venturi valve for example. Connected at the narrow end of the venturi valve 114 is a narrower dimensioned capillary conduit 116, which extends into the head portion 22 and proximate to the outlet or opening 51. The capillary tube 116 has a plurality of very fine holes therein.

As has been previously disclosed, there is a motor 25 and fan 27 for providing and propelling heated air through the casing 20 and out the implement portion 52 of the head portion 22.

In operation, there is provided a switch 118. This switch is of a multi-positioned type as is well known in the art. The function of the switch, which is similar to the switch 80 in previous embodiments, provides at least two heat positions for the heater 23. Thus, in a first position, the heater 23 would heat to approximately, for example, 80 degrees fahrenheit thus, providing the user with hot air at the implement portion 52 of the head 22. In a second position, however, the heater 23 is provided with greater current from the source of power (not shown). In that second position, liquid in the reservoir 110 is heated by the heater 23. Up to this time, the venturi valve 1 l4 prevents the flow of the liquid from the reservoir through to the capillary tube 1 16. When the heater 23 increases in heat to above the temperature of boiling (212 degrees fahrenheit) a head of steam is built up. The vaporized liquid within the heater 23 is prevented from backing up the reservoir portion 110 by the head of liquid in the conduit 40. The steam or vapor is then pressed through the conduit 40, the venturi valve 114 and through the capillary tube 1 16 to the user. Thus providing the user with a high level of very fine vapor, which may be, for example, water, hairdressing lotions, or the like. It is to be understood that this would have obvious application to the embodiments disclosing the use of this device as an iron, for example. It is clear that other uses would suggest itself to the user. It is to be understood that the liquid in reservoir is pushed to heater 23 by virtue of gravity.

In another form (FIG. 15) a reservoir is connected thereto a conduit 122. The conduit 122 terminates in a nozzle 124. The nozzle 123, conduit 122 and reservoir 120, reside within the casing 20. A portion of the Reservoir 120 extends without an end wall 126 of the casing 20. The reservoir 120 is provided with pump means 128, which may take the form of, as is shown, of a piston or plunger arrangement.

A few alternatives will suggest themselves, such as bellows, a bulb, and the like. The nozzle end 124 of the conduit 122 terminates at a fan or blower 27. It is to be noted that in this embodiment the blower 27 is more forward of the motor 25. This, however, is merely for design convenience and the inner-relationship or interconnection of parts may be reversed. Whereas, it is to be understood that as in previous embodiments discussed in here, the arrangements of the parts is not critical, here it is of necessity that the conduit 122 must have its nozzle end 124 adjacent to blower 127 and that this group of arrangements must be before the heating element 100.

Thus, in operation as the pump means 128 is operated or, as in this case, as the plunger is lowered water is forced through the nozzle, is broken up by the blower 27 into very fine globules, is heated by the heater 100, carried in through the head portion 22 and dispensed through the outlet 51. It will be observed that this operation produces a humidifying effect. It will also be appreciated that the plunger 128 may be replaced by other forms of activating mechanism or pump means 128, such as a bulb, bellows or the like. Indeed, they may also include within this context a C0 cartridge.

As has been previously emphasized, the particular arrangement of the elements here are not considered critical to the overall concept of the invention. Thus, for example, in FIG. 16, there is disclosed a housing 130, having therein a motor 25 and blower 27, as well as a heater 100. Not shown in this embodiment is a switch for controlling the condition of the heater 100, motor 25 and blower 27. However, it is to be understood that all of these elements do exist as has been previously discussed. However, of significance in this embodiment (FIG. 16) is that the front end thereof 132 comprises a hollow housing which engages the housing 130, as by means of a bayonet interlock, screw, or other joining means as is well known at 134. This end portion 132 enables the connection to the heater 100, motor 25, blower 27 combination. Other types of implements or instruments as may be required, may be attached in like manner to the housing 130. As disclosed herein, however, there is shown in the front end 132 a reservoir 136 there within. Extending from the reservoir 136, in a manner as has been more fully described hereinbefore is a conduit 138. The conduit 138 terminates in a spray atomizer 108, which is, in turn, adjacent to the outlet portion 51 of the front end housing 132. A conduit 140 inter-connects the reservoir 136 to a pump 142. The pump 142 may be operably moved by a hinged lever 146 residing in the wall of the front and housing 132. The pump means may be secured to the housing 132 internally by screw, or other fastening means. The reservoir 136 may bemade of a plastic or polyethylene material and rigidly secured to the inside wall of the front end housing 132.

In operation, an atomized spray would be provided through the spray atomizer 108 in a manner which has hereinbefore described. The operator, or user, would depress the hinge lever 146 to operate the pump means 142. It is to be understood, however, that any means of applying pressure to the liquid within the reservoir 136 may be used in place of this pump means 142. As has been hereinbefore described, the heater 100, motor 25 and blower 27 operate to propel air through to the front end and out the outlet portion 51, and through a comb or other tool 52.

Turning now to the embodiment of FIG. 17, there is disclosed another front end housing 150, which like the front end housing 132 is hollow in construction and meant to join with the housing 130 embodying the heater 100, motor 25 and blower 27. A reservoir 152, like the reservoir 136, is intended to hold a liquid, and

resides within the front end housing 150. Extendinginto the reservoir 152 may be a pump means, such as is disclosed a plunger 154, which extends without the front end housing 150 through an aperture suitably disposed adjacent to the reservoir 152. Clearly, any other means of applying pressure to the reservoir 152, and the liquid therein, may be employed, such as bellows, CO cartridge or the like. Affixed to a suitable outlet as has hereinbefore been discussed, is a conduit 156, leading into a capillary tube 158. The capillary tube 158 has therein very fine openings or apertures. By use of a narrow construction, at the capillary tube 158, such as a venturi valve 114, or other type valve now shown. For example, a valve 114 at that point might be interconnected with plunger 154, so that when pressure is exerted, the valve 114 will be opened. This type of an arrangement, however, is well known in the art. In operation, the user when desiring a fine spray would apply pressure to the plunger 154, thus causing a fine spray of liquid to be emitted at the capillary tube 158.

It is to be understood that access to the reservoir 152 of FIG. 17, or the reservoir 136 of FIG. 16, may be had through a suitable placed aperture (not shown) in the front end housing 132 or 150, respectively. While no effort has been made to describe in detail the constructional features as disclosed in the foregoing FIGS. 11 through 17, it will be understood that these features have constructional arrangement as previously disclosed with reference to FIGS. 1 through 10.

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides an appliance for dressing the hair and ironing garments and the like, which is extremely simple in construction, economical in manufacture, durable and reliable in use, and which otherwise fully accomplishes its intended objects.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. A compact appliance comprising: a housing of generally elongate hollow construction; said housing having a front end providing a workhead and a rear end comprising a main body portion, and being adapted to be held in the user's hand; said workhead including fluid dispensing means; fluid heating means, reservoir means adapted to contain a liquid and liquid conduit means connecting said reservoir means and said fluid dispensing means; pump means including a piston for pumping said liquid from said reservoir means to said fluid dispensing means; blower means including a motor, in said body portion, and adapted for passing air through said body portion to said workhead; means operable for energizing said fluid heating means and adapted to dispense heated or unheated fluid; said fluid heating means disposed rearwardly of said fluid dispensing means, and said blower means disposed adjacent to said fluid heating means; whereby all of said means form a compact assembly in said housing such that said appliance may be conveniently held in the palm of a users hand during use of said appliance.

2. An appliance according to claim 1, wherein said pump means is disposed in said workhead.

3. An appliance according to claim 2, including valve means in said conduit means for restricting the flow of liquid from said reservoir means to said fluid dispens- I ing means; and said pump means and said reservoir means together form a single assembly.

4. An appliance according to claim 2, wherein said piston of said pump means includes biasing means and a pivotable actuator engageable with said piston and adapted to be depressed for pumping said liquid.

5. An appliance according to claim 2, wherein said pump means is disposed in said main body portion.

6. An appliance according to claim 1, wherein said pump means and said reservoir means together form a single assembly.

7. An appliance according to claim 5, wherein said pump means is interposed in said liquid conduit means between said reservoir means and said fluid dispensing means.

8. An appliance according to claim 7, wherein said piston of said pump means includes biasing means and a pivotable actuator engagable with said piston and adapted to be depressed for pumping said liquid.

9. A compact appliance comprising: a housing of generally elongate hollow construction; said housing having a front end providing a workhead and a rear end comprising a main body portion, and being adapted to be held in the users hand; said workhead including fluid dispensing means; fluid heating means, reservoir means adapted to contain a liquid, and liquid conduit means in said body portion; said conduit means connecting said reservoir means and said fluid dispensing means, and a portion thereof being in juxtaposition with said fluid heating means such that said liquid is adapted to receive heat from said fluid heating means enabling the dispensing of vapor of said liquid from said dispensing means; valve in said conduit means precluding the flow of liquid and permitting the flow of gas to said fluid dispensing means; blower means including a motor, in said body portion, and adapted for passing air through said body portion to said workhead; means operable for energizing said fluid heating means and adapted to dispense heated or unheated gas; said fluid heating means disposed rearwardly of said fluid dispensing means, and said blower means disposed adjacent to said fluid heating means; whereby all of said means form a compact assembly in said housing such that said appliance may be conveniently held in the palm of a users hand during use of said appliance.

10. An appliance according to claim 9, wherein a portion of said conduit means is in juxtaposition with said fluid heating means so that said liquid is adapted to receive heat from said fluid heating means enabling said blower means and the flow of said liquid is directed against said bhower means for beaking up said liquid into a spray, and propelling said spray to said fluid dispensing means.

13. An appliance according to claim 8, wherein said fluid dispensing means comprises an atomizer.

15 L811 appliance according to claim}, wherein said fluid dispensing means comprises an atomizer. 

1. A compact appliance comprising: a housing of generally elongate hollow construction; said housing having a front end providing a workhead and a rear end comprising a main body portion, and being adapted to be held in the user''s hand; said workhead including fluid dispensing means; fluid heating means, reservoir means adapted to contain a liquid and liquid conduit means connecting said reservoir means and said fluid dispensing means; pump means including a piston for pumping said liquid from said reservoir means to said fluid dispensing means; blower means including a motor, in said body portion, and adapted for passing air through said body portion to said workhead; means operable for energizing said fluid heating means and adapted to dispense heated or unheated fluid; said fluid heating means disposed rearwardly of said fluid dispensing means, and said blower means disposed adjacent to said fluid heating means; whereby all of said means form a compact assembly in said housing such that said appliance may be conveniently held in the palm of a user''s hand during use of said appliance.
 2. An appliance according to claim 1, wherein said pump means is disposed in said workhead.
 3. An appliance according to claim 2, including valve means in said conduit means for restricting the flow of liquid from said reservoir means to said fluid dispensing means; and said pump means and said reservoir means together form a single assembly.
 4. An appliance according to claim 2, wherein said piston of said pump means includes biasing means and a pivotable actuator engageable with said piston and adapted to be depressed for pumping said liquid.
 5. An appliance according to claim 2, wherein said pump means is disposed in said main body portion.
 6. An appliance according to claim 1, wherein said pump means and said reservoir means together form a single assembly.
 7. An appliance according to claim 5, wherein said pump means is interposed in said liquid conduit means between said reservoir means and said fluid dispensing means.
 8. An appliance according to claim 7, wherein said piston of said pump means includes biasing means and a pivotable actuator engagable with said piston and adapted to be depessed for pumping said liquid.
 9. A compact appliance comprising: a housing of generally elongate hollow construction; said housing having a front end providing a workhead and a rear end comprising a main body portion, and being adapted to be held in the user''s hand; said workhead including fluid dispensing means; fluid heating means, reservoir means adapted to contain a liquid, and liquid conduit means in said body portion; said conduit means connecting said reservoir means and said fluid dispensing means, and a portion thereof being in juxtaposition with said fluid heating means such that said liquid is adapted to receive heat from said fluid heating means enabling the dispensing of vapor of said liquid from said dispensing means; valve in said conduit means precluding the flow of liquid and permitting the flow of gas to said fluid dispensing means; blower means including a motor, in said body portion, and adapted for passing air through said body portion to said workhead; means operable for energizing said fluid heating means and adapted to dispense heated or unheated gas; said fluid heating means disposed rearwardly of said fluid dispensing means, and said blower means disposed adjacent to said fluid heating means; whereby all of said means form a compact assembly in said housing such that said appliance may be conveniently held in the palm of a user''s hand during use of said appliance.
 10. An appliance according to claim 9, wherein a portion of said conduit means is in juxtaposition with said fluid heating means so that said liquid is adapted to receive heat from said fluid heating means enabling the dispensing of vapor of said liquid from said fluid dispensing means.
 11. An appliance according to claim 9, wherein said fluid dispensing means includes a capillary conduit having a plurality of small apertures for permitting the passage of gas to a hair dressing implement removably fastened to said workhead.
 12. An appliance according to claim 1, wherein said conduit means includes nozzle means terminating at said blower means and the flow of said liquid is directed against said bhower means for beaking up said liquid into a spray, and propelling said spray to said fluid dispensing means.
 13. An appliance according to claim 8, wherein said fluid dIspensing means comprises an atomizer.
 14. An appliance according to claim 4, wherein said fluid dispensing means comrpises an atomizer. 